Magical Holiday Memories: Where to See Santa Around Howard County, MD! (2025 Guide)

Ho ho ho, the holiday excitement is real in our house! My kids have been counting down the days to see Santa, and I’m right there with them, watching their eyes light up as they spot the big guy in red is just pure magic. Luckily, there are some amazing local spots to catch Santa this season around Columbia and Howard County, MD. Here’s our go-to guide for a “jolly” day out, with all the details you need to plan your visit!

Santa Brunch at Alexandra’s Restaurant

Address: 2700 Turf Valley Rd., Ellicott City, Maryland 21042  

Tickets: Call 410-480-2400 for reservations; $52 Adults* | $32 Children, Ages 4-11* | Ages 3 & Under Free *Plus Tax & Gratuity. Brunch beverages available for purchase.  

Imagine enjoying a cozy brunch with your family, and suddenly, Santa himself makes an entrance! Every Sunday in December, Alexandra’s Restaurant in Turf Valley Resort transforms into a holiday wonderland where you and your little ones can indulge in a delicious brunch and snap photos with Santa. Their breakfast spread is always amazing, and if your kiddos are anything like mine, they’ll be thrilled with all the treats. Don’t forget to call ahead, this event fills up quickly, so you’ll want to secure your spot early!

Lunch with Santa at Reckless Shepherd

Address: 8895 McGaw Rd., Columbia, MD 21045

Mark your calendars for December 6, because this special lunch event kicks off the season at Reckless Shepherd Brewpub! We’re planning to go, and I can already see my kids' excitement at the thought of enjoying lunch and hanging out with Santa. It’s such a relaxed setting, and the atmosphere is perfect for families. Plus, they usually have some fun surprises for the little ones, so bring your camera for those memorable moments.  Word has that Santa will be there all the way from the North Pole for photos from 11-2pm!

Photo Op Highlight: The Mall in Columbia

Address: 10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD

If you're looking for a one-stop Santa photo experience this holiday season in Howard County, The Mall in Columbia is a go-to. It's perfect for families who want something classic and easy. I love that they’ve continued to offer things like pet-friendly sessions and quieter, sensory-friendly times, little touches that make the whole experience feel more welcoming. If you’re planning to go on a weekend, definitely build in a little extra time. Holiday parking at the mall has a personality of its own.

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at Severna Park Community Center

Address:  623 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park, MD 21146

This event is FREE!

For a cozy, festive evening, there’s nothing better than cookies, cocoa, and Santa! Severna Park Community Center hosts this fun event that’s all about quality time with the big guy. My kids can hardly wait to decorate cookies, sip on warm cocoa, and share their holiday wish lists with Santa himself. It’s a perfect evening activity, so if you’re looking for a low-key yet magical Santa encounter, this is the one.

Breakfast Snacks with Santa at The Other Barn (Oakland Mills)

Address:  5851 Robert Oliver Place Columbia, MD 21045

Tickets: $8.00 for everyone ages 2 and older. Limit 10 tickets per person, fees included in the price of the ticket.

The Other Barn’s Breakfast with Santa is a longtime local favorite! With two morning seatings, you have a chance to enjoy a laid-back breakfast, all while the kids get to chat with Santa and share their holiday dreams. They offer two seating times, so if your little ones are early risers like mine, you can grab the first slot, or opt for a little extra sleep and go at 9:45. It’s one of those events that truly feels like the holidays, cozy, warm, and full of community spirit.

A cozy farm-to-festive Santa experience at Manor Hill Brewing

Address: 4411 Manor Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21042

One of my favorite unexpected holiday gems in Howard County is Manor Hill Brewing. If you’ve never taken Santa photos there, let me tell you, there’s something magical about mixing a quiet country farm, a cozy tasting room, and a jolly man in red. They’re offering photos with Santa again this year, with several dates to choose from: November 28th (9–7), December 6th (9–2), December 7th (10–6), and December 14th (10–6). All of the photo sessions are by appointment only, so it’s definitely one of those “book early” kind of experiences. The farm and tasting room open at noon and run until 7pm, but Santa keeps his own schedule, so reservations are a must.

The Santa Experience at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar

Address: 8225 Main St, Ellicott City, MD 21043

If you’re looking for something sweet and a little whimsical this season, The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar in Historic Ellicott City is hosting the most adorable Santa experience on November 29th, 2025 at 10AM. I absolutely love events like this, small, cozy, and filled with the kind of magic kids actually remember.

When you walk in, the whole place smells like chocolate and fresh pastries, and Santa settles in to read a Christmas storybook to the kids. It’s relaxed and intimate, the kind of moment where you can actually see little faces light up. After storytime, Santa is available for visiting and photos, and the kids get to make a sweet little craft to take home, always a win in my house.

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus at the Savage Mill Yuletide Festival

Address: 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD 20763

Savage Mill always feels magical this time of year, but during the Yuletide Festival it absolutely comes alive. Every Saturday and Sunday from November 29th through December 21st, 2025, Mr. and Mrs. Claus set up in the “New Weave Commons,” and it’s one of those stops that just feels like pure holiday charm. I love wandering through the mill this time of year, the decorations, the twinkle lights, the warm little corners of shops and artist studios, it’s all so inviting.

If you still have gifts to cross off your list, this is the place to do it. Local vendors, unique finds, handmade pieces… it’s impossible not to stumble upon something special. And between the music, the entertainment, and the bustle of families coming and going, you can feel the season in the air.

Midnight Madness & Tree Lighting in Historic Ellicott City

with Santa as a special guest!

Address: 3480 St Johns Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21042

There’s something truly magical about Historic Ellicott City during Midnight Madness, and this year’s celebration on December 5th, 2025 is already circled on my calendar. The night begins with the community Tree Lighting Ceremony in Tiber Park at 5:30PM, and yes, Santa himself makes an appearance, which instantly turns the whole moment into something straight out of a Christmas movie.

Once the tree is glowing, the whole town seems to sparkle right along with it. Main Street stays open late, every shop and restaurant dressed up for the season. I love wandering from storefront to storefront with a warm drink in hand, listening to the music, and enjoying small-town holiday magic at its absolute best. It’s festive, it’s chilly, it’s cozy, and it always feels like the official start of the season in Old Ellicott City.

These events are all wonderful options to create those cherished holiday memories. From brunches and lunches to cookies and cocoa, there’s a Santa event in Maryland for every family! So grab your calendars, make those reservations, and get ready for some festive fun. After all, nothing says holiday magic quite like those little voices calling out, “Santa!”

Looking for even more festive fun after you meet Santa? Be sure to check out our full guide to holiday light displays in Howard County — a must-see for families who want to keep the magic going after dark.